Adventures in Cabo

The hotel is situated on a marvelous stretch of beach that comes to an end with a dramatic view of El Arco…a natural arch situated in the rocks where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific. The Mediterranean style of the hotel is white adobe with blue trim. Rooms are large and separated kitchen and bedroom areas are a nice touch. There are also balconies in every room.

The atmosphere was authentic Mexican. Good service and great food. I had grilled red snapper, while my daughter had chicken tacos. Don't forget the flan for dessert!

The Office sits right on the beach and usually has entertainment for dinner. Be sure to go on Thursday or Sunday, when they put on a show...reservations required those nights. Stop in there for breakfast too for all the items you may want, including fresh-squeezed juice.

It is easy to rent a car in Cabo and drive the road north to San Jose del Cabo. We walked to town to rent a car at Dollar. The village was founded in 1730 by Jesuit missionaries. The main square has a cathedral and is surrounded by small shops and galleries, narrow streets and flowering trees. The interior of the church was simple and yet elegant with its thin stained-glass windows and white interior. We rented horses near the El Presidente Hotel for a ride along the beach. Beaches are less crowded than in Cabo and to run a horse through the surf was an amazing experience. We returned to our car and stopped at the Vitrofusion Glass Factory, where recycled glass is blown to make beautiful vases and other items.

Sail away on the Sunderland, a square-rigger built in 1885 in England. A pirate-clad crew hoist the sails as the captain relates stories and legends of pirating in nearby waters. He told of Thomas Cavendish and his raids on the Spanish galleon "Santa Anna," along with its 450 tons of treasures. Tequila, rum, and other drinks were served on the deck, and cannons were shot from the sides. We anchored near Pelican Rock, where a plank was lowered for us to jump in the water and snorkel out to the point. We saw a few large schools of small fish and other larger ones that I couldn’t identify. On returning to the boat, the crew had prepared a simple but great lunch for us. The boat trip was fun, even though the snorkeling was not that good. One warning here...beware of the jellyfish.

We rented ATVs from Motosol, a reputable company suggested by our hotel. The experience was one we will not forget. It is a great way to see part of the country as you ride the dirt roads and trails. There are many species of butterflies and little villages with thatched roofs. Wild turkeys and small rodents run about and vultures post themselves in trees. There are palm trees and saguaro cactus which dot the greenery of the villages. Many colorful flowers and views of the ocean to the south are the scenes among this mountain paradise. But...check your guide out carefully. He was drinking the whole time and got his ATV stuck in a river. My daughter and I rode our with him driving. He managed to flip us while trying to go up a hill. It was lucky no one was hurt.